Heather Firth is a recent transplant from New Zealand, who as Front Office Manager of the Millenium Hilton, has a front row seat to all the events and new openings happening in the neighborhood. She’s also a relatively recent transplant from New Zealand so she gets to experience FIDI the exciting way it is now. Herewith are her views on what and where and how to live the FIDI way.

What do you love about the Seaport/FIDI and why did you move to the neighborhood?I moved to New York from Arizona (though I am originally from New Zealand) to work at the Millenium Hilton as a Front Office Manager. I chose to live in Lower Manhattan as it is a 10 minute walk to work and the convenience of living so close was hard to pass up. I was able to find a great apartment with 2 other girls already living in it.

I also love that the neighborhood is so close to the water. I can walk to the Hudson River and see the Statue of Liberty. All the major subway stops are located within a 5 to 10 minute walk so getting to the rest of the city is very convenient.

What is your favorite restaurant? What is your favorite dish there?I love Orto e Mare in Eataly and their fresh pastas. It’s one of my go-tos to recommend to guests and they usually return to me raving about it. Clinton Hall is pretty close to where I live – they have crazy burgers like a Grilled Cheese CheeseBurger where the buns are grilled cheeses! I‘m looking forward to going there in the summer and winning at their giant Connect Four games.

Your favorite coffee shop or bar?The Irish American or O’Haras are where I go often after work with some of the other managers. They are open pretty late and I usually don’t get out of work until 11pm. Who doesn’t love a casual bar where the wings are good? Perfect for after a long, busy shift. However, The Dead Rabbit is on my list try out!

What would you like to see in the neighborhood?I love a good outdoor bar — I am always looking for new ones — so more would be great. Pier A is on my list for this summer. I love bringing friends to Stone Street Tavern when they visit me. I love how quaint the streets looks; very European.

What upcoming restaurant/ store/ event are you most excited for? I am a big fan of Anthropologie – love their flowy dresses – so I’m excited about their opening at 195 Broadway. Our Guests are excited about Nobu opening (I would love to try it soon). Sticky’s Fingers Joint on Maiden Lane is a staff favorite for lunch.

On a Sunday afternoon, I like to…I am in still in “explore NYC” mode. I moved here last September and still have more to discover and explore! I made sure to check out the High Line, Central Park, Chinatown, and the beautiful Christmas window decorations. One of my friends has a professional boxing match coming up at a well-known venue so I am really excited to go and watch him win. With the weather getting warmer, I’d like to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO. Being in the FIDI I feel like I am very close to transportation to do everything I want to do!

Liquid Assets at the Millenium Hilton – a great place to pop by for a drink while in the area.

More about Heather…

My favorite song/ recording artist is..
I love Ed Sheeren and have been playing his latest CD non-stop. It all depends on my mood though. I can go from 90’s hip hop to country depending on the day.

Last meal on earth?
I’m from New Zealand, so anything that is from home like a roast lamb or seafood paired with a nice glass of NZ Sav Blanc.

Your favorite piece of clothing or accessory?
My navy blue coat from New York and Company.

Can’t leave home without…
My phone, ear plugs and charger. I like to have music to listen to as I am exploring the city.

Last week we were fortunate enough to dine at the newly opened Blue Ribbon Federal Grill. We were so excited to check it out and honestly, we were not disappointed. The atmosphere, the service and the food were all top notch. The entrance of the restaurant is inside the entryway of the AKA Wall Street… Read More

We LOVE experiencing live music. FIDI is still working on this part of neighborhood life, but here are some options that are currently going on: MONDAY – Cowgirl Seahorse features live music every Monday starting around 8pm. As if that weren’t enough, the bands are usually accompanied by drink specials. This coming week has the… Read More

Farm Candy is a GEM of a store in South Street Seaport. It recently moved from its former location to its new spot right next to the soon to open Scotch & Soda (where Ambrose Beer Hall used to be). The charming store is home to the proprietary line of Farm Candy products which range… Read More